Schools of Choice

What are Schools of Choice?

At the elementary level, the District provides specialized programs focused in the Arts and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).  While covering the same Idaho Content Standards, these programs offer an immersive and hands-on approach to learning aligned with these focus areas that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

For instance, an Art-focused elementary school can ignite your student's imagination and artistic talents, providing them with a strong foundation in creative expression.  These programs are offered at Christine Donnell, Chief Joseph, and Pioneer Schools of the Arts. Similarly, STEM-focused schools emphasize science and technology, preparing students by nurturing their skills in these crucial fields.  These programs are offered at Barbara Morgan, Galileo, Spalding, and Summerwind STEM Academies.  These schools allow your student to explore these interests and develop strengths in an environment designed to help them thrive.

As students transition to secondary education, the District also offers programs that focus on fine arts (grades 6-12)  and academic acceleration opportunities (grades 9-12).  Enrolling a student at Idaho Fine Arts Academy can help refine artistic talents, whether in music, theater, or visual arts. In addition to learning core content standards, this specialized curriculum ensures students receive extensive training in their chosen art form, preparing them for further education and potential careers in the arts. 

At Renaissance, the academic acceleration opportunities provide a rigorous and challenging academic experience that can fast-track your student's education. This program offers advanced and specialized coursework through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and the International Baccalaureate Career Certificate allowing students to delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about and to excel academically, setting a strong foundation for college and career success. Renaissance also offers the Associate of Arts in General Studies from Idaho State University that students have the opportunity to pursue.

General Application Process

To attend one of these schools, applications are required. All applications are online. You are not provided a confirmation email of submittal. The last page on the application is the confirmation. All applications are reviewed, and all information submitted is verified. Idaho Fine Arts Academy hosts the audition process in place of lottery draw for placement.

There are two time periods to apply. To be in the lottery or audition for the next school year, applications are due in the month of November. If you missed this time period or would like to apply to another School of Choice, January 12th through October is the late application period.

Only the applications submitted in November can qualify for the lottery that takes place in December.

FYI: The only two schools that will have half-day kindergarten is Paramount and Siena elementary schools for the 24-25 school year.

24-25 Schools of Choice Late Application is now available. The Schools of Choice Late Application will be available Friday, January 12, 2024.

On-time Schools of Choice Lottery Application is now closed.

IMPORTANT: You can apply to multiple schools. If you are drawn more than once, you will be notified to respond within 72 hours as to which school of choice you are accepting a seat at.

The late application period takes place January 12th through October. Through submitting an application in this time period, an application is placed on the late wait list. If and when a seat becomes available, the schools use these lists to fill open seats. No lottery is used for these applications.

Lottery

In December, the schools host a random lottery draw. If more students apply than seats are available in any grade level, then students will be selected by random lottery. Qualified applications submitted in November are entered for all schools, except for Idaho Fine Arts Academy. The order in which lotteries are drawn is randomly selected and changes yearly. In December, applicants will receive lottery result notifications.

IMPORTANT: You can apply to multiple schools. If you are drawn more than once, you will be notified to respond within 72 hours as to which school of choice you are accepting a seat at.

Acceptance Period and Enrollment

In December, lottery result letters are sent to applicants. There is a time period in which those who have been given placement offers must respond. Parents are to notify the school if they accept or deny the offer. If the applicant accepts, they will proceed to enroll their student at that school. This school now becomes the students homeschool. If the applicant declines the offer, they will need to enroll at their primary attendance boundary school.

IMPORTANT: Parents need either accept or deny the placement offer within the outlined time frame. If no response is recorded, that seat will no longer be saved for the student.

Late Applications

January 12th through October is the late application time period. These are applications submitted to be placed on the school/grade late wait list. The schools will contact the applicant if their application is next in line and/or qualifies for a placement offer. If you accept a placement offer, the school will help with enrollment.

24-25 Schools of Choice Late Application

Boundaries

Please refer to the Attendance Area of this website for more information.

Transportation

Please visit the WASD Transportation page for more information.